Gein en Vecht
Abcoude → Weesp
Two idyllic rivers in one route: the Gein and the Vecht. They have much in common. They meander through a quintessential Dutch landscape teeming with culture and history. Along their banks, beautiful centuries-old country houses proudly stand. Many painters and poets found inspiration there. But there's also much to discover and enjoy while walking.
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The map shows the main signposted route. Variants follow the same trail with shortcuts or extensions — see Practical info and Route notes for details.
Highlights
- Typical Dutch landscape: rivers, windmills, meadows
- Stelling van Amsterdam: UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Fort Nigtevecht
- Fortified town of Weesp
Practical info
- Distance
- 6 km, 12 km or 14 km
- LAW
- Waterliniepad
- Percentage paved
- 85%
- Dogs allowed?
- Yes. Dogs are allowed on a leash, but forbidden on the unpaved path between Velterslaan and Fort Nigtevecht (an alternative route over the asphalt road is described).
Description
Between Abcoude and Weesp lies a typical Dutch landscape of green meadows, meandering rivers, windmills, and stately country houses. Via the Gein, you first walk to Fort Nigtevecht, part of the Stelling van Amsterdam. This old defense line is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is unique in the world. The fort, used as a place of rest and remembrance, is idyllically hidden among the greenery.
A little further on, you cross the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal via a spectacular pedestrian and cycling bridge. On the other side lies Nigtevecht, a quiet village with a marina, drawbridge, old village church, and numerous monumental houses. Via the Vecht and the centuries-old Aetsveldsche Polder, you reach the cozy town center of Weesp.
The route is 85% paved, but mainly follows car-free asphalt roads. Tip: walk this route on a weekday, then you will encounter fewer cyclists. It will be wonderfully quiet, even though you are so close to Amsterdam.
Route
After 6 km, the route can be shortened in Nigtevecht (at Sluis stop, on Raadhuisstraat) by taking local bus 522 to Weesp station; this runs Mon-Sat once an hour, not on Sundays! It is also possible to shorten the route by 2 km at the end by taking city bus 49, bus 106 or local bus 522 to Weesp station at the C.J. Van Houtenlaan stop in Weesp (not on Sundays!). Check current departure times in the NS app or in the Reisplanner on NS.nl (also bus times).
Photos from NS
Photos © NS · sourced from ns.nl